Mollie SLATON Raper (1859 - 1942)

Mrs. Mollie Slaton Rapier was born Dec. 22, 1859, and died June 27, 1942, at the age of 82 years, 6 months and 5 days. She was married to Joseph Rapier in 1877.

To this union were born 12 children. Her husband died in 1904 and a son, Atlas, and a daughter, Mrs. Arlie Miller, died several years later.

Surviving are five sons, Enos, Washington and Eugene of Bradley, Illinois; Lester of Akron, Ohio, and Ben of near Etowah; and five daughters, Mrs. Nelle Brown and Mrs. Vira Fickle of Akron, Ohio; Mrs. Alice Patty and Mrs. Lona Doty of near Sweetwater, and Mrs. Neppie Pearson of Tellico Plains.

She united with the Piney Grove Baptist Church in 1896.

Funeral was held Monday afternoon at Center Church, with Rev. McCoy Franklin officiating.

Three of Mrs. Rapier’s favorite songs, “Beautiful Isle of Somewhere,” “It Is Well With My Soul” and “When the Saints Go Marching In,” were sung by the following quartet from Tellico Plains: Mr. Leonard Bowers and daughter, Helen; Mrs. Charles Moore and Mr. D.B. Stephens, with Mrs. George Williams at the piano.

She was laid to rest in the New Providence Cemetery under a mound of beautiful flowers.

Another dear old sweet soul has received her reward at the end of her goal.”